Monday, November 14, 2011

When in doubt, make a lamp shade out of it...

It wouldn't be Monday morning without a strange lamp shade idea right? For some reason I just have a thing for lamp shades, so I can't help but bring y'all along with me on my crazy lamp ride. This particular project was inspired by an Anthropologie display and I think it came out pretty cool.

All I needed for the project was...
*zip ties (a pack of 1000 from Home depot)
*spray paint
*chicken wire
*the top rim off another shade
* and a helpful hubs

Do you see where I am going yet? I didn't think so haha. Here is how the hubs and I made our shade.

1. We took apart a $4 clearance lamp shade from target and saved the metal rim.
2. We then used the rim and chicken wire to create the shape of a drum shade.
3. We attached the rim to the chicken wire with zip ties.
4. I sprayed zip ties in four colors that I wanted to use and let them dry over night.
5. The last step was to then cover the shade with the zip ties by slipping them through each square of chicken wire.

It creates so many amazing layers of texture. This is how it turned out...

Isn't it sort of quirky and fun? The pattern it makes on the wall when it is turned on is stunning. I am thinking about making one in all white, cream, and gold to hang with a light kit inside the closet for an inexpensive chandelier. What do you think, totally strange or a fun new zip tie craze? I'm sorta lovin' those plastic little strips these days.

How was the rest of your holiday weekend? The hubs and I stayed really busy shooting some pictures of the living room and playing around with rearranging furniture. I heard the new Anthology magazine is out and I am just dying for a copy. Does anyone have it yet? This week I have some fun tutorials coming up so stay tuned. I better go for now, I have an episode of Dexter on the DVR just calling my name. Yes, I am admitting I have a deep love for that serial killin' forensic nerd! Love him. Can't wait to see you guys tomorrow, now I am off to celebrate blood splatter and trophy slides.

Seriously amazing. Can't believe it has taken me this long to see it floating around the blogisphere! How did you pick the colors? Love them. I hope you don't mind, but I've posted a link to your tutorial on my blog :)

So sorry Samantha, that never happened to me. I used Rustoleum spray paint and make sure it's not too cold outside ;.)

@annonymous I used the longest zip ties I could find at home depot. & I attached the chicken wire to the frame by using a zip tie and then trimming off the end. ( I used a painted one so it would blend in).

I Just found this and am so impressed! The style reminds me of a palm tree...LOL. I wonder if you could take an old umbrella and wrap it with the wire on the angle of an umbrella...hmmm. Then you could really make a faux palm tree. Not sure what I would use it for yet though...lol. Anyhow, thanks for the great idea..my mind is flying!

I am making this right now, we ordered our zip ties on line, but my husband ordered the small ones, black and red for our garage them bedroom. He cant wait until I get done. The zip ties only cost 15.00 for a 1000